Journal
Guides & bar culture
Original guides for SEO and readers — home bars, ingredients, pubs and winter hosting. Pair with the cocktail generator when your shelf is oddly stocked.
- Home bar·1 min read
Free Pouring vs Jigger: Which is Best for Home Bartenders?
Free pouring looks impressive but risks inconsistency; jiggers guarantee precision in every cocktail. Learn which method suits your home bar setup and skill level.
Read article → - Spirits 101·1 min read
How to Taste Spirits Like a Pro: A UK Guide
Learn the professional tasting techniques bartenders and spirit experts use to evaluate whisky, gin, rum and more. Discover how to identify flavour notes, nosing methods, and palate progression in just minutes.
Read article → - Home bar·1 min read
Jigger Measurements: ML vs OZ for UK Home Bars
Understanding jigger sizes and conversions is essential for consistent cocktails at home. Learn the difference between millilitres and ounces, and why UK bartenders prefer metric.
Read article → - Journal·1 min read
Double Straining Cocktails: When & How to Master It
Double straining removes ice shards and fine pulp from cocktails, creating silky texture. Learn when it's essential, which drinks need it, and how to perfect the technique at home.
Read article → - Home bar·1 min read
Muddling Mint Without Bitter Stems: A Home Bar Guide
Learn how to muddle mint perfectly for mojitos and smashes without releasing bitter chlorophyll from stems. Use proper technique, the right leaves, and gentle pressure for fresh, clean cocktails every time.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Agave Syrup Cocktails: When to Use & Best Recipes
Agave syrup brings natural sweetness and subtle depth to cocktails, especially tequila-based drinks and tropical mixes. Discover when to reach for it, how to use it properly, and which drinks shine with this Mexican favourite.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Honey Syrup Cocktail Ratio: UK Guide
Learn the perfect honey syrup ratio for cocktails: 1:1 honey to water creates silky texture and balanced sweetness. Master this classic UK bartender technique for home bars.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Demerara Syrup vs Simple Syrup in Cocktails
Demerara syrup adds rich caramel notes to cocktails, while simple syrup is neutral and versatile. Learn which sweetener suits your drink and how to make both at home.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Falernum Tiki Syrup: What Cocktails Use It
Falernum is a spiced syrup essential to classic tiki and tropical cocktails. Learn which drinks need it and how to use it in your home bar.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Orgeat Syrup Almond Cocktails: UK Guide & Buy Tips
Orgeat syrup adds almond sweetness to classic cocktails like Mai Tais and Zombies. Learn where to buy quality orgeat in the UK and how to use it at home.
Read article → - Ingredients·1 min read
Homemade Grenadine: Pomegranate, Not Rose Syrup
Learn why true grenadine is made from pomegranate juice, not rose water, and how to make authentic syrup for your home bar. Discover the difference between commercial and homemade versions.
Read article → - Journal·1 min read
Clarified Milk Punch: Simple Home Method
Clarified milk punch is a centuries-old cocktail technique that creates crystal-clear spirit infusions using milk proteins. Master this elegant method at home with our step-by-step guide.
Read article →